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The DS Cross Mysteries #8
The Tailor: A DS George Cross Mystery
“One of my favourite detectives.”—Elly Griffith
The unfailingly shrewd and uniquely brilliant DS George Cross is back . . .
A bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. Before it even reaches Bath, his body is found slumped lifeless in the toilet. The police initially assume it’s a robbery.
But the truth is more complicated than that. Why was the man found with a plastic bag over his head? Why was his throat cut in such a savage way? DS George Cross realizes that this was no mugging—it was an organized hit. This realization forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world—and is it his imagination, or is he being followed?
Everyone knows that DS George Cross is tenacious, that he always gets to the truth. It seems, this time, someone will do anything to stop that from happening.
The unfailingly shrewd and uniquely brilliant DS George Cross is back . . .
A bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. Before it even reaches Bath, his body is found slumped lifeless in the toilet. The police initially assume it’s a robbery.
But the truth is more complicated than that. Why was the man found with a plastic bag over his head? Why was his throat cut in such a savage way? DS George Cross realizes that this was no mugging—it was an organized hit. This realization forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world—and is it his imagination, or is he being followed?
Everyone knows that DS George Cross is tenacious, that he always gets to the truth. It seems, this time, someone will do anything to stop that from happening.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2026
About the author
Tim Sullivan
16 books768 followersTim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter. He originally read English and Law at university - the latter forced on him by his Dad - but instead he wriggled free of those parental ambitions and pursued his own, to make films. His writing credits include A HANDFUL OF DUST, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, JACK AND SARAH (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and LETTERS TO JULIET, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include SHERLOCK HOLMES and COLD FEET and CORONATIONS STREET. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth SHREK movie.
He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.
He self-published the first two books and once they'd achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.
The novels are set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.
Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY - A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live near by.
For more stuff about Tim visit his website www.timsullivan.co.uk
He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.
He self-published the first two books and once they'd achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.
The novels are set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.
Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY - A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.
Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live near by.
For more stuff about Tim visit his website www.timsullivan.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
August 17, 2026
5-stars.
Sharply Tailored, Seamlessly Stitched, and Pure Procedural Perfection.
Tim Sullivan's The Tailor—the newly released eighth installment in the DS George Cross series—brings Detective Sergeant George Cross face-to-face with a case that feels as tightly woven and deliberate as the craft after which it is named.
When a quiet, methodical tailor is found murdered on a train, the Bristol Major Crime Investigation Team initially faces a wall of dead ends.
The victim lived an unassuming, almost invisible life, leaving little trace of motive or conflict. However, DS Cross—whose neurological divergence gives him a unique hyper-focus and unwavering refusal to make assumptions—begins pulling at the hidden threads of the victim's past.
The investigation unfolds amid a major shake-up on the team as recent promotions take effect: Cross's longtime partner and trusted confidant, Josie Ottey has been elevated to Detective Inspector, while Detective Constable (DC) Alice Mackenzie steps up as Cross's new partner, leaving DS Cross thoroughly frazzled and livid that no one consulted with him beforehand.
Adding to Cross's personal friction, his newly reunited parents are experiencing relationship troubles, forcing the routinely inflexible detective to navigate emotional turbulence at home.
If only he knew the worst is yet to come...
Highly recommend.
Sharply Tailored, Seamlessly Stitched, and Pure Procedural Perfection.
Tim Sullivan's The Tailor—the newly released eighth installment in the DS George Cross series—brings Detective Sergeant George Cross face-to-face with a case that feels as tightly woven and deliberate as the craft after which it is named.
When a quiet, methodical tailor is found murdered on a train, the Bristol Major Crime Investigation Team initially faces a wall of dead ends.
The victim lived an unassuming, almost invisible life, leaving little trace of motive or conflict. However, DS Cross—whose neurological divergence gives him a unique hyper-focus and unwavering refusal to make assumptions—begins pulling at the hidden threads of the victim's past.
The investigation unfolds amid a major shake-up on the team as recent promotions take effect: Cross's longtime partner and trusted confidant, Josie Ottey has been elevated to Detective Inspector, while Detective Constable (DC) Alice Mackenzie steps up as Cross's new partner, leaving DS Cross thoroughly frazzled and livid that no one consulted with him beforehand.
Adding to Cross's personal friction, his newly reunited parents are experiencing relationship troubles, forcing the routinely inflexible detective to navigate emotional turbulence at home.
If only he knew the worst is yet to come...
Highly recommend.
August 17, 2026
'Why do people ever lie?' he asked before immediately answering his own question. 'To cover up the real truth, particularly if it's a worse one.'I'm now up-to-date with this series (this entry, of course, being the latest one).
As I mentioned elsewhere, I began it in out-of-series-order at first but then corrected that and read through from Book One - which I'm glad I did; that seems the more satisfying way to go (even though an 'argument' could be made for reading the books as random stand-alones).
The major plus of this series is DS George Cross, perhaps the most memorable protagonist in modern mysteries (just my hunch). Marvelously realized as a character from the get-go, the reader (if he or she is like me, and even if perhaps not) cannot help but gravitate to George. He not only holds interest, he captivates with each entry - and rather endlessly within each entry.
I sensed I would miss him soon after reading the most recent book - and I already do.
George, of course, is on the spectrum - and, for me, the series has been an increasingly informative experience in that regard. I'd never before followed an autistic character in fiction; I've no idea how often that even happens. And while George is naturally not a one-size-fits-all, the percentage that he represents serves to enrich the reader.
As the leader of each narrative, George both does and does not steal focus. It's a testament to author Tim Sullivan's skill that he consistently surrounds his DS with richly detailed co-workers and (even) suspects. Sullivan not only does his homework, he does double-duty for 'extra credit'.
All told, the amount of research that goes into these cases is mind-boggling.
Sullivan often seems to hold no shortage of surprises. With Book #8 - this one - he opens the story in a way he has not done heretofore: he shows us the actual murder, almost as though through the murderer's eyes. It plays a bit like an Agatha Christie homage; choosing that tack is inspired, as it immediately thrusts suspense front-and-center.
Like Book #2 ('The Cyclist') - the shortest book in the series so far - 'The Tailor' has a rather limited cast of characters; resulting in a more compact complexity (which is still nevertheless not skimped on). I finished 'The Cyclist' in record time because it was so short - but then I read 'The Tailor' in about as short a period because it is so *precise*.
There's no fat on this baby; it's a lean, 'mean' machine.
A particularly impressive move this time out comes near the conclusion, when George is allowed something akin to a showy "11 o'clock number" in a musical comedy. Not that there's music - or even comedy, really, at that point. Though, in a certain light, it's still very funny. It's a risky tonal shift for Sullivan to take but vive la différence; it pays off!
~ as does Sullivan's rare 'coda': once the story is over, the author sends us off with an imagined conversation between himself and George. It's touching, hilarious, and *very* George!
August 13, 2026
I have loved every other book in this series SO much. But, this one was too far-fetched for me. I want the tiny details of ordinary cases, not a thriller.
August 18, 2026
4.5 stars
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for the gifted copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is book #8 in the D.S. Cross Mystery series and it's a good one. A tailor is killed on a train and D.S. George Cross is assigned the case. George is a unique character. He is a brilliant detective, but is very awkward socially. Even though this is the eighth book, I was able to jump right in with this newest installment. I enjoyed getting to know George and the rest of his team I liked the way George was able to work well with his team to solve a complex crime. I hadn't expected the case to involve international intrigue, but it did work well with the plot. I love the way everything turned out in the end. Now that I've read this book, I will definitely be going back and reading prior books in this series.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for the gifted copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This is book #8 in the D.S. Cross Mystery series and it's a good one. A tailor is killed on a train and D.S. George Cross is assigned the case. George is a unique character. He is a brilliant detective, but is very awkward socially. Even though this is the eighth book, I was able to jump right in with this newest installment. I enjoyed getting to know George and the rest of his team I liked the way George was able to work well with his team to solve a complex crime. I hadn't expected the case to involve international intrigue, but it did work well with the plot. I love the way everything turned out in the end. Now that I've read this book, I will definitely be going back and reading prior books in this series.
July 6, 2026
Synopsis
A routine train journey turns into a brutal murder investigation when a bespoke tailor is found dead aboard the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. At first, police suspect a robbery gone wrong, but the disturbing crime scene tells a different story. With a plastic bag over the victim’s head and his throat savagely cut, it quickly becomes clear that this was no random act of violence.
DS George Cross soon realizes he’s dealing with a carefully planned assassination, pulling him into a dangerous world of organized crime where every answer raises new questions. As Cross relentlessly pursues the truth, he begins to suspect that someone is watching his every move—and will stop at nothing to ensure the investigation never reaches its conclusion.
The eighth installment in the George Cross Mystery series delivers a fast-paced police procedural filled with twists, danger, and a determined detective who refuses to back down. Although part of a series it can be read in any order. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, making it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries and methodical investigations.
Review
As the eighth book in the DS Cross series, the publisher claims the books can be read in any order. After reading this one, I disagree.
DS George Cross is on the autism spectrum, which explains many of his quirks, mannerisms, and difficulty interpreting social situations. This novel focuses heavily on those traits but spends the first 15% of the book presenting them without any context. Until the story finally hints that Cross is autistic, he simply comes across as rude, insensitive, and socially oblivious. Readers familiar with the series will already understand him, but newcomers may find him difficult to connect with.
The novel also references characters and events from previous books with little or no background. While this doesn’t make the mystery itself difficult to follow, it does make it harder to appreciate the relationships between the characters and how they have developed throughout the series. I think readers would get far more out of the book by reading the series in order.
The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, and the short, digestible chapters make for a fast and engaging read. The story is told from multiple points of view, primarily George’s, with the transitions feeling natural and well suited to each scene.
One aspect that detracted from my enjoyment was the author’s frequent use of obscure vocabulary. Words such as concatenate can usually be understood from the surrounding context, but they aren’t part of everyday language. When these words appear in Cross’s dialogue or internal thoughts, they fit his character. However, when they appear in the general narrative, they sometimes feel as though they’re included simply to showcase unusual or “big” words.
This is separate from the British colloquialisms, which I actually enjoyed. As a non-UK reader, I found them interesting, and they were generally easy to understand from context. More frustrating was the author’s tendency to use acronyms without ever explaining what they stand for, which occasionally interrupted the flow of the story.
Overall, the mystery is engaging, and the clues are presented fairly, allowing readers to follow along and piece things together. While I enjoyed the investigation itself, I believe this is one series that is best read in publication order rather than as standalone novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Grove Atlantic/ Atlantic Crime for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A routine train journey turns into a brutal murder investigation when a bespoke tailor is found dead aboard the 9:26 train from Bristol to London. At first, police suspect a robbery gone wrong, but the disturbing crime scene tells a different story. With a plastic bag over the victim’s head and his throat savagely cut, it quickly becomes clear that this was no random act of violence.
DS George Cross soon realizes he’s dealing with a carefully planned assassination, pulling him into a dangerous world of organized crime where every answer raises new questions. As Cross relentlessly pursues the truth, he begins to suspect that someone is watching his every move—and will stop at nothing to ensure the investigation never reaches its conclusion.
The eighth installment in the George Cross Mystery series delivers a fast-paced police procedural filled with twists, danger, and a determined detective who refuses to back down. Although part of a series it can be read in any order. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, making it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries and methodical investigations.
Review
As the eighth book in the DS Cross series, the publisher claims the books can be read in any order. After reading this one, I disagree.
DS George Cross is on the autism spectrum, which explains many of his quirks, mannerisms, and difficulty interpreting social situations. This novel focuses heavily on those traits but spends the first 15% of the book presenting them without any context. Until the story finally hints that Cross is autistic, he simply comes across as rude, insensitive, and socially oblivious. Readers familiar with the series will already understand him, but newcomers may find him difficult to connect with.
The novel also references characters and events from previous books with little or no background. While this doesn’t make the mystery itself difficult to follow, it does make it harder to appreciate the relationships between the characters and how they have developed throughout the series. I think readers would get far more out of the book by reading the series in order.
The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, and the short, digestible chapters make for a fast and engaging read. The story is told from multiple points of view, primarily George’s, with the transitions feeling natural and well suited to each scene.
One aspect that detracted from my enjoyment was the author’s frequent use of obscure vocabulary. Words such as concatenate can usually be understood from the surrounding context, but they aren’t part of everyday language. When these words appear in Cross’s dialogue or internal thoughts, they fit his character. However, when they appear in the general narrative, they sometimes feel as though they’re included simply to showcase unusual or “big” words.
This is separate from the British colloquialisms, which I actually enjoyed. As a non-UK reader, I found them interesting, and they were generally easy to understand from context. More frustrating was the author’s tendency to use acronyms without ever explaining what they stand for, which occasionally interrupted the flow of the story.
Overall, the mystery is engaging, and the clues are presented fairly, allowing readers to follow along and piece things together. While I enjoyed the investigation itself, I believe this is one series that is best read in publication order rather than as standalone novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Grove Atlantic/ Atlantic Crime for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to Read
July 28, 2026Dear brilliant author, it very cruel of you to not have this book out this year!!!
(finally August 2026 is almost here.)
August 16, 2026
4.0 / 5.0
Solid book from start to finish, you can’t go wrong with a George cross series. I am now patiently waiting for the next one. I always find the Cross series to be so unique, weirdly comforting and reliable. I haven’t been disappointed about the series or the book, I like how we naturally see the character development of george as he navigates through personal and professional life. I like how genuine and real Cross is portrayed. As always I’ve found the plot easy to follow, I like how natural the twists came across as well as how the plot is unpredictable. Whilst the ending was obvious, I like how it was never blindingly obvious to your face, there was always an element of uncertainty.
A bespoke tailor boards the 10:00 am train from Bristol to London. Before the train reaches bath, he’s found dead in the toilet with his throat slit and a plastic freezer bag over his head. DS George Cross quickly rules out robbery, but nothing of this killing is random. It’s an execution. His investigation brings him dangerously close to a cold merciless world, is it his imagination or is he being followed. With the highest conviction rate of any officer in the force, George is known for getting answers where others can’t. This time, someone will do anything to stop that from happening, and the next cut could be meant for him….
Overall I’ve enjoyed this book, once I started I really struggled to put this book down. A testament to how much of a solid book this is. As always though this book does refer to events in the previous books, so it doesn’t make sense to read to the 8th book as the first one!
Solid book from start to finish, you can’t go wrong with a George cross series. I am now patiently waiting for the next one. I always find the Cross series to be so unique, weirdly comforting and reliable. I haven’t been disappointed about the series or the book, I like how we naturally see the character development of george as he navigates through personal and professional life. I like how genuine and real Cross is portrayed. As always I’ve found the plot easy to follow, I like how natural the twists came across as well as how the plot is unpredictable. Whilst the ending was obvious, I like how it was never blindingly obvious to your face, there was always an element of uncertainty.
A bespoke tailor boards the 10:00 am train from Bristol to London. Before the train reaches bath, he’s found dead in the toilet with his throat slit and a plastic freezer bag over his head. DS George Cross quickly rules out robbery, but nothing of this killing is random. It’s an execution. His investigation brings him dangerously close to a cold merciless world, is it his imagination or is he being followed. With the highest conviction rate of any officer in the force, George is known for getting answers where others can’t. This time, someone will do anything to stop that from happening, and the next cut could be meant for him….
Overall I’ve enjoyed this book, once I started I really struggled to put this book down. A testament to how much of a solid book this is. As always though this book does refer to events in the previous books, so it doesn’t make sense to read to the 8th book as the first one!
August 11, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s rounded to 5 ⭐️s
One of my most beloved series and MMC detectives is back with a new installment! 🥰 This time around, DS George Cross investigates the mysterious death of a tailor aboard a train, while also dealing with the promotion of his partner and his estranged mother caring for his father. Did I laugh? Yes! Did I cry? Also yes! Did I love? Absolutely!! 🙌 If you have not checked this series out yet, drop everything and pick it up! Each can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading them in order! 👏
Thank you partner Atlantic Crime for the gifted advanced reader copies in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
One of my most beloved series and MMC detectives is back with a new installment! 🥰 This time around, DS George Cross investigates the mysterious death of a tailor aboard a train, while also dealing with the promotion of his partner and his estranged mother caring for his father. Did I laugh? Yes! Did I cry? Also yes! Did I love? Absolutely!! 🙌 If you have not checked this series out yet, drop everything and pick it up! Each can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading them in order! 👏
Thank you partner Atlantic Crime for the gifted advanced reader copies in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
July 21, 2026
I never cease to enjoy these, and this has been an absolute treat!
Five stars. Would I read it again? Definitely!
Five stars. Would I read it again? Definitely!
July 22, 2026
A tailor is murdered on a train, but the trail it leaves behind is anything but ordinary.
We follow George, a detective with a reputation for solving the most unusual cases, alongside a supporting character who honestly had main-character energy. She was more than capable at her job, if not for the unyielding, pompous lead constantly getting in her way.
The story starts at a brisk pace, surrounding us with bespoke suits, tailoring techniques, and plenty of charm. Somewhere in the middle, though, I found myself losing a bit of interest as the focus shifted towards people, their motives, and endless conversations. Thankfully, the climax pulled me right back in with a rather unexpected and amusing finish.
George is an eccentric detective whose constant observations and deductions make him an oddly fitting person for the job. I also enjoyed the involvement of international agencies and the role they played in the investigation, which gave the mystery a broader scope and a slightly grittier edge.
Overall, this was an enjoyable detective mystery with a memorable lead, even if the pacing dipped a little in the middle.
We follow George, a detective with a reputation for solving the most unusual cases, alongside a supporting character who honestly had main-character energy. She was more than capable at her job, if not for the unyielding, pompous lead constantly getting in her way.
The story starts at a brisk pace, surrounding us with bespoke suits, tailoring techniques, and plenty of charm. Somewhere in the middle, though, I found myself losing a bit of interest as the focus shifted towards people, their motives, and endless conversations. Thankfully, the climax pulled me right back in with a rather unexpected and amusing finish.
George is an eccentric detective whose constant observations and deductions make him an oddly fitting person for the job. I also enjoyed the involvement of international agencies and the role they played in the investigation, which gave the mystery a broader scope and a slightly grittier edge.
Overall, this was an enjoyable detective mystery with a memorable lead, even if the pacing dipped a little in the middle.
August 6, 2026
A bespoke tailor is killed on his way to Heathrow (going to Dubai and China). George Cross is as he always is- to the great annoyance of many of his colleagues, but as always gets deep into the case, which is full of unusual occurrences: The many unexpected guests at the tailor's funeral, the South Korean tourists, the Chinese wife's former colleagues apparent suicide and Cross getting abducted. Meanwhile his parents are moving in and out of their flats - creating another, perhaps more severe disturbance in Cross' life. Bigger forces than usual are at play this time 'round.
August 20, 2026
Another amazing book. So entertaining. Half read half listened and am looking forward to the next one.
Good plot and character development…
Good plot and character development…
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 stars
★★★★★
This is book 8 in the George Cross Mysteries Series , and I loved every second of it. This series gets better every time and I need 100 more. This is the such a well-crafted, intellectual and heart-felt mystery series that is the best mystery series in the game right now. Nothing compares to this series and I think it deserves more flowers.
The Tailor: A DS George Cross Mystery starts with the dead body of a tailor in the train bathroom. As the best detective in the force, DS George Cross is assigned to the case. He expertly peels back the layers of deceit surrounding the case with his new probationary junior partner. Surprisingly, the death of the tailor is linked to business deals, local gangsters, foreign governments, espionage, data protection and a suspicious suicide.
George is on the autism spectrum, and how he moves through life is different to others. He can annoy and irritate, be inconsiderate and obstinate but above all he is not malicious. He is so loveable I could burst. He is afforded a lot of grace, however I always get emotional and angry when others reaches their limit of patience and grace. George cannot shut it off. He is who he is, but others always expect him to bend and to change. They struggle with his honesty and being honest back. I think through out the series we truly see the love others have for him, and I truly hope his support system (mainly at work) grows.
I think the best books hold a mirror to our ourselves, our relationships and society as a whole. DS Cross Mysteries interrogates how we move through the world, how it is set up for neuro-typical and able-bodied people, and the difficulties faced when we are different. Profound, heart-wrenching and inspiring series that goes beyond the typical murder-mystery. George Cross mysteries are always fun, hilarious and full of love. I adore this series and I implore everyone to read this masterpiece in detective fiction.
My hope for future books:
I think this is the beginning of the end for Carson. I expect the lack of trust in the future will ultimately lead to Carson moving on, going into a more political role upstairs, while Josie will take his old job. I am excited to see how George enters this new dynamic, if he will ever gain a promotion (willing or not) and this new shift in the the workplace, his responsibilities and the respect he is owed for his work-rate and skills.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I also posted my review on my blog ✿
★★★★★
This is book 8 in the George Cross Mysteries Series , and I loved every second of it. This series gets better every time and I need 100 more. This is the such a well-crafted, intellectual and heart-felt mystery series that is the best mystery series in the game right now. Nothing compares to this series and I think it deserves more flowers.
The Tailor: A DS George Cross Mystery starts with the dead body of a tailor in the train bathroom. As the best detective in the force, DS George Cross is assigned to the case. He expertly peels back the layers of deceit surrounding the case with his new probationary junior partner. Surprisingly, the death of the tailor is linked to business deals, local gangsters, foreign governments, espionage, data protection and a suspicious suicide.
George is on the autism spectrum, and how he moves through life is different to others. He can annoy and irritate, be inconsiderate and obstinate but above all he is not malicious. He is so loveable I could burst. He is afforded a lot of grace, however I always get emotional and angry when others reaches their limit of patience and grace. George cannot shut it off. He is who he is, but others always expect him to bend and to change. They struggle with his honesty and being honest back. I think through out the series we truly see the love others have for him, and I truly hope his support system (mainly at work) grows.
I think the best books hold a mirror to our ourselves, our relationships and society as a whole. DS Cross Mysteries interrogates how we move through the world, how it is set up for neuro-typical and able-bodied people, and the difficulties faced when we are different. Profound, heart-wrenching and inspiring series that goes beyond the typical murder-mystery. George Cross mysteries are always fun, hilarious and full of love. I adore this series and I implore everyone to read this masterpiece in detective fiction.
My hope for future books:
I think this is the beginning of the end for Carson. I expect the lack of trust in the future will ultimately lead to Carson moving on, going into a more political role upstairs, while Josie will take his old job. I am excited to see how George enters this new dynamic, if he will ever gain a promotion (willing or not) and this new shift in the the workplace, his responsibilities and the respect he is owed for his work-rate and skills.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I also posted my review on my blog ✿
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tailor by Tim Sullivan is a very highly recommended procedural/mystery and the eighth book in the series featuring Detective Sergeant George Cross of the Bristol Major Crimes Unit. It is always a pleasure to follow Cross, who is on the autism spectrum, investigating anything while dealing with the various challenges of life. This is a welcomed addition to the series.
A man is found murdered in the toilet on a train at Bath Spa with his throat cut and a plastic bag over his head. The BTP, British Transport Police, are understaffed so they call in the major crimes unit to take the case. The man is identified as William (Billy) Titcomb, a tailor of bespoke (made to order) suits. He was headed to the airport, traveling to Dubai and then to China, but all his luggage, including a suitcase and two suit carriers, is missing. It quickly becomes clear that this was a planned murder, but who would want to kill a tailor?
Detective Sergeant George Cross along with his new partner, DC Alice Mackenzie, begin to investigate. Cross, who struggles following social cues, uses his unique observational and intuitive skills to notice clues others can miss. They talk to the new widow, Min, who is Chinese and works for SJM Energy Solutions. Cross feels something is off. They begin looking into clients. As the investigation continues, it seems that something more is going on and the clues lead to connections with a local gangster, clients, another death, and two South Korean tourists who seem to start appearing.
All of the novels in this series are compelling, well-written, fast-paced, complex procedurals which follow both the case at hand and Cross's personal life. This series sets itself apart with the uniqueness of the main character and the twisty, complicated, intuitive, and analytical investigations undertaken in the plot. The intelligent investigation logically and instinctively follows the clues making it another enjoyable procedural in the series. Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, reading the previous books in the series and knowing all the characters and their backgrounds makes it a even greater pleasure to read.
In his personal life, Cross wrestles with accepting a new partner while dealing with issues involving his parents. He also becomes interested in a bespoke suit, which, knowing Cross, makes perfect sense considering the meticulousness attention to details involved in a handmade suit. At this point, all the characters in the series are fully realized individuals. This series depends on both the strong characterizations, along with the complicated, well reasoned plot, to propel the action forward. The unique main character also serves to set this series apart from others.
The Tailor is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy procedurals/mysteries and are also following the DS George Cross series. Thanks to Grove/Atlantic for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
A man is found murdered in the toilet on a train at Bath Spa with his throat cut and a plastic bag over his head. The BTP, British Transport Police, are understaffed so they call in the major crimes unit to take the case. The man is identified as William (Billy) Titcomb, a tailor of bespoke (made to order) suits. He was headed to the airport, traveling to Dubai and then to China, but all his luggage, including a suitcase and two suit carriers, is missing. It quickly becomes clear that this was a planned murder, but who would want to kill a tailor?
Detective Sergeant George Cross along with his new partner, DC Alice Mackenzie, begin to investigate. Cross, who struggles following social cues, uses his unique observational and intuitive skills to notice clues others can miss. They talk to the new widow, Min, who is Chinese and works for SJM Energy Solutions. Cross feels something is off. They begin looking into clients. As the investigation continues, it seems that something more is going on and the clues lead to connections with a local gangster, clients, another death, and two South Korean tourists who seem to start appearing.
All of the novels in this series are compelling, well-written, fast-paced, complex procedurals which follow both the case at hand and Cross's personal life. This series sets itself apart with the uniqueness of the main character and the twisty, complicated, intuitive, and analytical investigations undertaken in the plot. The intelligent investigation logically and instinctively follows the clues making it another enjoyable procedural in the series. Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, reading the previous books in the series and knowing all the characters and their backgrounds makes it a even greater pleasure to read.
In his personal life, Cross wrestles with accepting a new partner while dealing with issues involving his parents. He also becomes interested in a bespoke suit, which, knowing Cross, makes perfect sense considering the meticulousness attention to details involved in a handmade suit. At this point, all the characters in the series are fully realized individuals. This series depends on both the strong characterizations, along with the complicated, well reasoned plot, to propel the action forward. The unique main character also serves to set this series apart from others.
The Tailor is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy procedurals/mysteries and are also following the DS George Cross series. Thanks to Grove/Atlantic for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Crime [the publisher] for an eARC of The Tailor by Tim Sullivan, with an expected US publication date of August 2026, in return for an honest review. This is the eighth of the DS George Cross Mysteries and represents the end of the series to date, not that I believe the series is ending; it was first published in Great Britain earlier in 2026. I want to especially thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Crime for introducing me to DS George Cross in November 2025 with the publication of the Dentist, book one in the series, for the first time in the US. I had not known about the series before coming across it on NetGalley last year. Now I’ll just have to wait for Tim Sullivan to write the next one.
And now on to The Tailor. If you have followed my reviews, you know that DS Cross is on the spectrum. Sullivan does a wonderful job presenting the benefits and pitfalls of being a detective on the spectrum, although we don’t see as much of his skill in interrogation in this book. The series does a fantastic job of expanding the universe of DS Cross. Each book we get to know a little more about George and his supporting characters: his dad, mother, the priest Stephen, his partner Ottey, forensic scientist Michael Swift, DCI Carson, and Alice Mackenzie, junior member of the team.
GoodReads or Amazon provides an excellent plot summary of the book. That said, there are plot elements in this book worth mentioning. George and Alice are working now as a team, as she has completed her training and has come back to the MCU [Major Crime Unit]. Alice’s new role has her boyfriend Michael Swift [a DS Cross fanboy], jealous, and often becomes a bad look. This book introduces a bit of international intrigue. Also, as difficulty befalls George, he comes to realize that most of the wider team has come to care for him very much. The relationship between George’s father and mother continues to develop, as Raymond convalesces from his cancer treatment.
As with all of the Cross books, there are many twists to solving the crime, in this case, the murder of a tailor. The world of bespoke tailoring is explicated, and provides an interesting “thread” to the novel.
As I’ve noted in reviews of earlier books Tim Sullivan, an accomplished screenwriter and director, decided to try his hand at writing a police series and self published the first two books in the series. After 200,000+ downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. I haven’t seen a difference in quality [the first two were equally of high quality].
I highly recommend this book and have rated it five stars. I strongly encourage a reader to start at the start with The Dentist, and then work your way through the series. Unlike some series, I do not feel that any of the books so far have been less than top notch. Sullivan continues to hit it out of the park.
And now on to The Tailor. If you have followed my reviews, you know that DS Cross is on the spectrum. Sullivan does a wonderful job presenting the benefits and pitfalls of being a detective on the spectrum, although we don’t see as much of his skill in interrogation in this book. The series does a fantastic job of expanding the universe of DS Cross. Each book we get to know a little more about George and his supporting characters: his dad, mother, the priest Stephen, his partner Ottey, forensic scientist Michael Swift, DCI Carson, and Alice Mackenzie, junior member of the team.
GoodReads or Amazon provides an excellent plot summary of the book. That said, there are plot elements in this book worth mentioning. George and Alice are working now as a team, as she has completed her training and has come back to the MCU [Major Crime Unit]. Alice’s new role has her boyfriend Michael Swift [a DS Cross fanboy], jealous, and often becomes a bad look. This book introduces a bit of international intrigue. Also, as difficulty befalls George, he comes to realize that most of the wider team has come to care for him very much. The relationship between George’s father and mother continues to develop, as Raymond convalesces from his cancer treatment.
As with all of the Cross books, there are many twists to solving the crime, in this case, the murder of a tailor. The world of bespoke tailoring is explicated, and provides an interesting “thread” to the novel.
As I’ve noted in reviews of earlier books Tim Sullivan, an accomplished screenwriter and director, decided to try his hand at writing a police series and self published the first two books in the series. After 200,000+ downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. I haven’t seen a difference in quality [the first two were equally of high quality].
I highly recommend this book and have rated it five stars. I strongly encourage a reader to start at the start with The Dentist, and then work your way through the series. Unlike some series, I do not feel that any of the books so far have been less than top notch. Sullivan continues to hit it out of the park.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime for this advance ARC In return for an honest review.
The Tailor is the 8th Installment of the highly entertaining DS Cross mystery series. George Cross is
a high functioning Autistic Detective with the highest clearance rating in the UK and is called in to investigate the very strange murder of a man in a train bathroom wearing a bespoke suit. Not only was his throat cut, but he appears to have initially been asphyxiated with a plastic freezer bag still over his head. Cross and his team discover the victim was the owner/tailor of the bespoke suit shop, Titscomb and Titscomb.
As George's former partner, DI Josie Ottey, has been promoted, the ever annoying superior, DSI Carson, decides to surprise Cross with his new partner, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie, with whom Cross worked previously in her prior capacity as police support. Although Ottey tries to keep Cross in line, Mackenzie has a few tricks up her sleeve trying to keep track of Cross so that she can assist him with the awkward social interactions involved in questioning witnesses and suspects.
Meanwhile, his estranged mother, Christine, has sold her home, moved in with his father Raymond and they find that they are unable to cohabitate as hoped by Cross. As such Cross' investigation is somewhat derailed by an unexpected and unwanted house guest.
Just when everyone else in the MCU feels they have reached a dead end, Cross becomes intrigued by the untimely suicide of a Chinese Scientist occurring six months prior, at the widow's place of business. Cross and MacKenzie discover that Chen had just made an amazing breakthrough involving the companies EV batteries that would put them at the forefront of this ever evolving technology. As the victim's widow, is also Chinese, and not being forthright with Cross, he believes there may be a connection, even though his superior, Carson, disagrees and wants him to only focus on the murdered tailor.
Although I figured this mystery out a little early ( just like the Bookseller before it ) Cross manages to defy the odds, not to mention skirting danger, and figure out the murder(s) before the rest of the MCU and despite some suspects escaping, justice was served and the Tailor has a very satisfying conclusion.
I believe that Sullivan is finally hitting his stride both in the witnesses and suspects reaction to the quirky nature of Cross' investigative style as well as the delicate balance between Cross police work and his family life and organ practice.
Highly recommended, although I would suggest to those new to the series that is more satisfying to start at the beginning.
#TheTailor #NetGalley.
The Tailor is the 8th Installment of the highly entertaining DS Cross mystery series. George Cross is
a high functioning Autistic Detective with the highest clearance rating in the UK and is called in to investigate the very strange murder of a man in a train bathroom wearing a bespoke suit. Not only was his throat cut, but he appears to have initially been asphyxiated with a plastic freezer bag still over his head. Cross and his team discover the victim was the owner/tailor of the bespoke suit shop, Titscomb and Titscomb.
As George's former partner, DI Josie Ottey, has been promoted, the ever annoying superior, DSI Carson, decides to surprise Cross with his new partner, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie, with whom Cross worked previously in her prior capacity as police support. Although Ottey tries to keep Cross in line, Mackenzie has a few tricks up her sleeve trying to keep track of Cross so that she can assist him with the awkward social interactions involved in questioning witnesses and suspects.
Meanwhile, his estranged mother, Christine, has sold her home, moved in with his father Raymond and they find that they are unable to cohabitate as hoped by Cross. As such Cross' investigation is somewhat derailed by an unexpected and unwanted house guest.
Just when everyone else in the MCU feels they have reached a dead end, Cross becomes intrigued by the untimely suicide of a Chinese Scientist occurring six months prior, at the widow's place of business. Cross and MacKenzie discover that Chen had just made an amazing breakthrough involving the companies EV batteries that would put them at the forefront of this ever evolving technology. As the victim's widow, is also Chinese, and not being forthright with Cross, he believes there may be a connection, even though his superior, Carson, disagrees and wants him to only focus on the murdered tailor.
Although I figured this mystery out a little early ( just like the Bookseller before it ) Cross manages to defy the odds, not to mention skirting danger, and figure out the murder(s) before the rest of the MCU and despite some suspects escaping, justice was served and the Tailor has a very satisfying conclusion.
I believe that Sullivan is finally hitting his stride both in the witnesses and suspects reaction to the quirky nature of Cross' investigative style as well as the delicate balance between Cross police work and his family life and organ practice.
Highly recommended, although I would suggest to those new to the series that is more satisfying to start at the beginning.
#TheTailor #NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A NEW George Cross! Hurray! THE TAILOR is #8 in the George Cross series.
Yes, I read this four months ago, soon after I downloaded it from NetGalley. Mentally I immediately gave it a four-star rating. Not the best George Cross book I have read, but nonetheless a much "better than average" mystery/thriller. The fact that I still remember the important details four months later reinforces my four-star or "very good" rating. I took longer than usual to write my review for personal reasons, and because I wanted to get this review right—what I liked and what I didn't.
The Pros
1. George's work environment is changing, and he's having trouble adjusting to the changes, as people on the spectrum frequently do. Josie, his regular work partner, is promoted, and Alice Mackenzie becomes George's new on-the-job partner. But George still treats Alice like the intern she once was. Well done.
2. George also has to deal with his upset father whose new living arrangements aren't perfect. George's father, Raymond, is a hoarder, and dislikes having his "things" touched, which they must be if he is to have a new house partner (his former wife, George's mother). George is drawn into the middle of this chaos.
3. Finally, during the course of his murder investigation, George becomes fascinated with the idea of owning a "bespoke" suit. (I must admit that I had never previously heard about such a thing as a bespoke suit but I assume these aren't common in Canada.) George's fixation on small details is another well done example of how the autistic mind works.
4. The murder investigation follows a winding path and although George seems to know where it is going, he doesn't share his knowledge with Alice, or even Josie. And the inquiry takes George into hitherto unexplored thriller territory.
The Cons
1. There were a lot of characters in the story, and although I could follow it easily enough, having read all of the George Cross novels, I thought that it might be difficult for someone new to the George Cross saga to unravel all the interconnections among recurring characters.
2. Although the killer received his/her just desserts, I felt that the real villain went unpunished. To say further would require adding a spoiler, but it's the first time a George Cross story has left me feeling unfulfilled. It was that ending, mainly, that led me to knock a star off my rating, because the rest of the story had plenty of thrills as well as the usual mystery.
....
Still a great read overall. And it ends with George in his new suit. He now has "swagger".
Thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Dentist (DS Cross, #1)
The Cyclist (DS Cross, #2)
The Patient (DS Cross, #3)
The Politician (DS Cross, #4)
The Monk (DS Cross, #5)
The Teacher (DS Cross, #6)
The Bookseller (DS Cross, #7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, I read this four months ago, soon after I downloaded it from NetGalley. Mentally I immediately gave it a four-star rating. Not the best George Cross book I have read, but nonetheless a much "better than average" mystery/thriller. The fact that I still remember the important details four months later reinforces my four-star or "very good" rating. I took longer than usual to write my review for personal reasons, and because I wanted to get this review right—what I liked and what I didn't.
The Pros
1. George's work environment is changing, and he's having trouble adjusting to the changes, as people on the spectrum frequently do. Josie, his regular work partner, is promoted, and Alice Mackenzie becomes George's new on-the-job partner. But George still treats Alice like the intern she once was. Well done.
2. George also has to deal with his upset father whose new living arrangements aren't perfect. George's father, Raymond, is a hoarder, and dislikes having his "things" touched, which they must be if he is to have a new house partner (his former wife, George's mother). George is drawn into the middle of this chaos.
3. Finally, during the course of his murder investigation, George becomes fascinated with the idea of owning a "bespoke" suit. (I must admit that I had never previously heard about such a thing as a bespoke suit but I assume these aren't common in Canada.) George's fixation on small details is another well done example of how the autistic mind works.
4. The murder investigation follows a winding path and although George seems to know where it is going, he doesn't share his knowledge with Alice, or even Josie. And the inquiry takes George into hitherto unexplored thriller territory.
The Cons
1. There were a lot of characters in the story, and although I could follow it easily enough, having read all of the George Cross novels, I thought that it might be difficult for someone new to the George Cross saga to unravel all the interconnections among recurring characters.
2. Although the killer received his/her just desserts, I felt that the real villain went unpunished. To say further would require adding a spoiler, but it's the first time a George Cross story has left me feeling unfulfilled. It was that ending, mainly, that led me to knock a star off my rating, because the rest of the story had plenty of thrills as well as the usual mystery.
....
Still a great read overall. And it ends with George in his new suit. He now has "swagger".
Thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Dentist (DS Cross, #1)
The Cyclist (DS Cross, #2)
The Patient (DS Cross, #3)
The Politician (DS Cross, #4)
The Monk (DS Cross, #5)
The Teacher (DS Cross, #6)
The Bookseller (DS Cross, #7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intricately plotted whodunnit
The police aren't quite sure what to make of the brutal murder of a tailor in the restroom of a train between Bristol and London, His throat was cut, his luggage (as well as the two suits he was traveling to deliver to customers) are missing...was it a robbery or a deliberate murder? Neither his wife nor his sister, with whom he runs the family owned business, can shed much light on the situation; he has no enemies nor upset customers to whom they can point. DC George Cross is assigned the case, along with his new partner. Cross is not the most empathetic of detectives, but his powers of observation and dogged perseverance have given him the highest rate of solving cases in his branch. As the investigation ensues he discovers deception and obfuscation at every turn...from the victim's widow, who may have a connection to a co-worker's suicide, with possible industrial espionage, and even a hint of British intelligence, the case is far from simple and above board. Can Cross cope with the continuing upheavals in his personal and professional relationships and cut through the smoke and mirrors to solve this latest murder?
The Tailor is the eighth police procedural in author Tim Sullivan's DC Cross series. Cross is an unconventional protagonist, neurodivergent and thus lacking in social niceties which can ruffle feathers but also makes him an outstanding investigator. In the past he has been helped by his now-former partner, a woman who learned to adapt to Cross's mannerisms and routines while also gently guiding him through personal interactions; now that she has been promoted, he has a new partner (who is new at being a DC to boot) to whom he must become accustomed. This latest is a strong addition to an already excellent series, one that allows for the continued growth of Cross's character while also introducing elements of an espionage thriller to the police procedural series. While I wouldn't necessarily find it easy to work with Cross, I like him as a character. Fans of the series as well as readers of M. W. Craven, Ann Cleeves and Mark Haddon will definitely enjoy this installment...it can be read as a standalone but, as is generally the case for later books in a series, reading at least some of the preceding titles will deepen the reader's appreciation of the characters' backstories and relationships. My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Crime for allowing me access to this intelligent novel in exchange for my honest review...I eagerly await book nine!
The police aren't quite sure what to make of the brutal murder of a tailor in the restroom of a train between Bristol and London, His throat was cut, his luggage (as well as the two suits he was traveling to deliver to customers) are missing...was it a robbery or a deliberate murder? Neither his wife nor his sister, with whom he runs the family owned business, can shed much light on the situation; he has no enemies nor upset customers to whom they can point. DC George Cross is assigned the case, along with his new partner. Cross is not the most empathetic of detectives, but his powers of observation and dogged perseverance have given him the highest rate of solving cases in his branch. As the investigation ensues he discovers deception and obfuscation at every turn...from the victim's widow, who may have a connection to a co-worker's suicide, with possible industrial espionage, and even a hint of British intelligence, the case is far from simple and above board. Can Cross cope with the continuing upheavals in his personal and professional relationships and cut through the smoke and mirrors to solve this latest murder?
The Tailor is the eighth police procedural in author Tim Sullivan's DC Cross series. Cross is an unconventional protagonist, neurodivergent and thus lacking in social niceties which can ruffle feathers but also makes him an outstanding investigator. In the past he has been helped by his now-former partner, a woman who learned to adapt to Cross's mannerisms and routines while also gently guiding him through personal interactions; now that she has been promoted, he has a new partner (who is new at being a DC to boot) to whom he must become accustomed. This latest is a strong addition to an already excellent series, one that allows for the continued growth of Cross's character while also introducing elements of an espionage thriller to the police procedural series. While I wouldn't necessarily find it easy to work with Cross, I like him as a character. Fans of the series as well as readers of M. W. Craven, Ann Cleeves and Mark Haddon will definitely enjoy this installment...it can be read as a standalone but, as is generally the case for later books in a series, reading at least some of the preceding titles will deepen the reader's appreciation of the characters' backstories and relationships. My thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Crime for allowing me access to this intelligent novel in exchange for my honest review...I eagerly await book nine!
Read
March 6, 2026Oh, George, how I've missed you!
I absolutely adore this series and get genuine butterflies when a new installment lands in my inbox. Everything and I mean everything, gets pushed aside so I can while away a few hours with one of my all time favourite characters, George Cross.
DS George Cross is a bit of enigma to the majority of people he comes across. Being on the spectrum makes him come across as abrupt, rude, standoffish and even emotionless but it also makes him tenacious, unstoppable, unflappable and one hell of a detective.
This is book #8 in the DS George Cross series and with each new book my adoration for him grows. The series just gets better and better the further into it we get, each one bringing a fresh, unique plot that feels just as exciting, thrilling and unputdownable as the very first.
In book #8, a bespoke tailor is found murdered aboard a train from Bristol to London. His throat slit and a freezer bag placed over his head. His luggage and suit carriers are missing.
Investigating, Cross deduces that this wasn't simply a murder, someone was after something, something obviously important, but what?
Newly promoted, DI Josie Ottey is still protective of her old partner and trying to navigate training his new partner, someone who has worked with the team previously, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie. Alice is struggling to keep a hold on Cross and his wandering ways but used to his manner, soon figures out a way to keep track of him, which comes in handy later on.
This was a complex, multi layered plot that had many paths to keep track of. A seemingly placid, workaholic, murdered tailor. His scientist chinese wife. Government secrets and the reprisal of a past character Toby Fletcher.
Alongside the main plot we also have the life of George, Raymond and Christine bubbling in the background, which I absolutely love. Without doubt, George's interactions with his parents make me smile every single time.
I must admit, I actually roared with laughter in a particular section of this tale. Without spoilers, at one point George, unsure how to control his emotions decides to just 'chat' to two men, the way he just went off a on a tangent had me properly belly laughing, I still chuckle now just thinking about it.
Lastly, one phrase I never thought I'd see.... George Cross has swagger!
Side note: I'm not in love with the new cover I must admit, I much preferred the previous designs!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.
I absolutely adore this series and get genuine butterflies when a new installment lands in my inbox. Everything and I mean everything, gets pushed aside so I can while away a few hours with one of my all time favourite characters, George Cross.
DS George Cross is a bit of enigma to the majority of people he comes across. Being on the spectrum makes him come across as abrupt, rude, standoffish and even emotionless but it also makes him tenacious, unstoppable, unflappable and one hell of a detective.
This is book #8 in the DS George Cross series and with each new book my adoration for him grows. The series just gets better and better the further into it we get, each one bringing a fresh, unique plot that feels just as exciting, thrilling and unputdownable as the very first.
In book #8, a bespoke tailor is found murdered aboard a train from Bristol to London. His throat slit and a freezer bag placed over his head. His luggage and suit carriers are missing.
Investigating, Cross deduces that this wasn't simply a murder, someone was after something, something obviously important, but what?
Newly promoted, DI Josie Ottey is still protective of her old partner and trying to navigate training his new partner, someone who has worked with the team previously, probationary DC Alice MacKenzie. Alice is struggling to keep a hold on Cross and his wandering ways but used to his manner, soon figures out a way to keep track of him, which comes in handy later on.
This was a complex, multi layered plot that had many paths to keep track of. A seemingly placid, workaholic, murdered tailor. His scientist chinese wife. Government secrets and the reprisal of a past character Toby Fletcher.
Alongside the main plot we also have the life of George, Raymond and Christine bubbling in the background, which I absolutely love. Without doubt, George's interactions with his parents make me smile every single time.
I must admit, I actually roared with laughter in a particular section of this tale. Without spoilers, at one point George, unsure how to control his emotions decides to just 'chat' to two men, the way he just went off a on a tangent had me properly belly laughing, I still chuckle now just thinking about it.
Lastly, one phrase I never thought I'd see.... George Cross has swagger!
Side note: I'm not in love with the new cover I must admit, I much preferred the previous designs!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was instantly drawn to this front cover image - which as you probably know by now, I absolutely love a bright, bold (and simple) cover, especially if there's blood involved.
It just tells me in no uncertain terms, that this is going to be my kind of read.
What I hadn't realised, was that this book forms part of the George Cross Mystery series and that it is in fact the eighth book!!
Now, you know I hate reading books out of order, but also that with this genre, it's often not the end of the world if I'm reading book 8 first.
This case is whole and complete and I absolutely loved the way that the character introduction was written into the first few chapters with the addition to a new member to the team and this helped explain and describe George to a tee!!
All I'm going to say on the matter of plot is that this was a complex case that had a good number of suspects and twists and turns throughout the story.
The pacing was perfect and had me hooked from the start.
In fact I devoured this through the course of only a day because I loved the progression of the storyline and needed to see how all the different elements would link up and form a conclusion.
As much as I love a great storyline that keeps us guessing to the end - and this was really a super clever case - I found that the fact I connected with George on such a deep level, the absolute best thing about this read.
George is quite obviously a neurodiverse character and I loved getting to know him and his foibles throughout the story.
Having some experience with ND (my son and most likely myself), it was absolutely brilliant to see this portrayed in such a manner here.
Obviously there are some downsides to such a condition and these were written with understanding and care and never came across as hugely negative.
When needed, there was always a balance the other way to counteract this.
But, there were a number of times that I not only recognised patterns and behaviours, but found these so endearing and sometimes hilarious to watch play out.
I'm absolutely talking about the kidnap scene here 🤣- absolute genius!
It was nice to see George at work with the team - seeing how he fitted into the routine of police work - but I also loved seeing him at home too and I can't wait to explore this more through the series.
I am obsessed with George and have already added all the previous books to my wishlist - I can't wait to read them all!
It just tells me in no uncertain terms, that this is going to be my kind of read.
What I hadn't realised, was that this book forms part of the George Cross Mystery series and that it is in fact the eighth book!!
Now, you know I hate reading books out of order, but also that with this genre, it's often not the end of the world if I'm reading book 8 first.
This case is whole and complete and I absolutely loved the way that the character introduction was written into the first few chapters with the addition to a new member to the team and this helped explain and describe George to a tee!!
All I'm going to say on the matter of plot is that this was a complex case that had a good number of suspects and twists and turns throughout the story.
The pacing was perfect and had me hooked from the start.
In fact I devoured this through the course of only a day because I loved the progression of the storyline and needed to see how all the different elements would link up and form a conclusion.
As much as I love a great storyline that keeps us guessing to the end - and this was really a super clever case - I found that the fact I connected with George on such a deep level, the absolute best thing about this read.
George is quite obviously a neurodiverse character and I loved getting to know him and his foibles throughout the story.
Having some experience with ND (my son and most likely myself), it was absolutely brilliant to see this portrayed in such a manner here.
Obviously there are some downsides to such a condition and these were written with understanding and care and never came across as hugely negative.
When needed, there was always a balance the other way to counteract this.
But, there were a number of times that I not only recognised patterns and behaviours, but found these so endearing and sometimes hilarious to watch play out.
I'm absolutely talking about the kidnap scene here 🤣- absolute genius!
It was nice to see George at work with the team - seeing how he fitted into the routine of police work - but I also loved seeing him at home too and I can't wait to explore this more through the series.
I am obsessed with George and have already added all the previous books to my wishlist - I can't wait to read them all!
August 18, 2026
I am trying not to sulk after an-8-month run of George Cross books—just read the last one until 2027. I am trying to celebrate the joy of having access to such a stellar series and CH for this so long without having to wait until the next year. I am so spoiled. Please read my review of the first (2020/2025) The Dentist for more and, again, run, don’t walk to read it. I repeat myself: You can read these out of order but Don’t if you want to enjoy the CH arc as it enfolds. Trust me, you do. This one was another engaging read as CH, Plotting, Setting, and Tone again weave together well. Sullivan infused this one in the series with more international suspense including a previous CH, Toby Fletcher from MI6, early on. Billy Titcomb, a well-known bespoke tailor, is murdered on a train and this mystery overlaps with Korean and Chinese technology espionage revolving around the development of a new battery. Titcomb’s sister, wife, and co-workers are all suspects until they are not. Good pacing, a physical threat to George, some family turmoil concerning his parents, and the return of Alice Mackenzie to the workplace combine with the continuing excellent police and forensic procedure, droll writing, and Tone development using all the senses. Take the journey on your own for more Plot specifics; however, I must note that George’s internal and oral monologue as he tries to figure out why he is in a specific predicament is worth the read alone, as is his newest obsession: bespoke tailoring. Like his father (a retired aeronautics engineer), George likes to know how things work, a trait that drove him to learn the intricacies of the dry cleaning business, wood working, and bicycle racing in previous books. I figured out what was occurring before George does but it did not ruin the story experience for me. RED FLAGS: Graphic Violence; Sensory deprivation/invasion; Autism. Readalikes may be Mette Ivie Harrison’s Ada Latia neurodivergent FBI agent series, the cozier Brandy Schillace’s Jo Jones series, and the historical take on Jane Austen by Claudia Gray that includes the neurodivergent Jonathan Darcy. But any mystery reader who enjoys excellent CH development, and well-drawn procedural detail will also enjoy this amazing find.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A man boarded a train from Bristol bound for Paddington Station in London. From there he was to catch a plane for China to inspect his tailor shop where his customers suits are sewn together after measurements were taken in Bristol.` On the way to China he would stop in Dubai for two customer fittings and the suits were in carriers. But he didn't get off that train alive.
When George Cross investigated the crime he learned that the man was found in one of the train loos on the floor in a pool of blood. He had a plastic bag pulled over his face and a pen in his neck which aided in slashing his jugular vein. Thorough police work ID'd the body which turned out to be William Titcomb, one of the tailors of the noted family shop Titcomb and Titcomb, bespoke tailors. But his sister couldn't understand where his luggage went and why the suit carriers were missing. Eventually the luggage was found and its contents destroyed. Most disturbing were the basted suits-both were hacked into ribbons. What was so important about Titcomb's belongings that got him murdered and who was the culprit?
Was it William's perfect Chinese wife who set up the shop in China? Was it any of the Chinese employees who were sent to Bristol for training? Or could it have been the two South Korean tourists who's cars turned up on CCTV footage? There might also have been an MI5 British spy connection to the crime-Cross's skills were certainly being challenged in this case.
Of course he also had other worries. He acquired a new partner which greatly disturbed his routine and comfort level. His father was recovering well from his stroke but he and Christine, his ex-wife who came to be his caregiver, were not getting on well. And his new interest in the art of tailoring was taking him in a new direction-he now craved a bespoke suit.
Sullivan's detective, George Cross, is always a joy to follow as he uses fact and logic to solve the crime. The Tailor is the new book in this detective series whose titles have been released slowly in the States for the last year. In my opinion, it's the best of his eight adventures. Can Cross "thread the needle" this time? Read it and find out!
When George Cross investigated the crime he learned that the man was found in one of the train loos on the floor in a pool of blood. He had a plastic bag pulled over his face and a pen in his neck which aided in slashing his jugular vein. Thorough police work ID'd the body which turned out to be William Titcomb, one of the tailors of the noted family shop Titcomb and Titcomb, bespoke tailors. But his sister couldn't understand where his luggage went and why the suit carriers were missing. Eventually the luggage was found and its contents destroyed. Most disturbing were the basted suits-both were hacked into ribbons. What was so important about Titcomb's belongings that got him murdered and who was the culprit?
Was it William's perfect Chinese wife who set up the shop in China? Was it any of the Chinese employees who were sent to Bristol for training? Or could it have been the two South Korean tourists who's cars turned up on CCTV footage? There might also have been an MI5 British spy connection to the crime-Cross's skills were certainly being challenged in this case.
Of course he also had other worries. He acquired a new partner which greatly disturbed his routine and comfort level. His father was recovering well from his stroke but he and Christine, his ex-wife who came to be his caregiver, were not getting on well. And his new interest in the art of tailoring was taking him in a new direction-he now craved a bespoke suit.
Sullivan's detective, George Cross, is always a joy to follow as he uses fact and logic to solve the crime. The Tailor is the new book in this detective series whose titles have been released slowly in the States for the last year. In my opinion, it's the best of his eight adventures. Can Cross "thread the needle" this time? Read it and find out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's funny that within the space of three days I finished two crime novels starting off with a murder that could hardly be more different in any other aspect if they tried. “The Great Game” by Arvid Ethan David is expansive, playful and historical; “The Tailor” by Tim Sullivanther quiet, constrained, beautifully constructed police procedural. Both were absolutely fantastic.
In “The Tailor”, DS George Cross investigates the murder of a bespoke tailor who is found dead on a train travelling from Bristol to London. What initially looks like a possible robbery quickly reveals itself to be linked to far more complex crime, drawing Cross into a case where many people are determined to keep many things hidden.
This was my first DS George Cross novel and I loved it. It works perfectly well as a standalone—I never felt lost—but I could immediately see the appeal of having seven previous books' worth of insight into Cross's personal and professional life. He's a fascinating character, as are many of the people around him, and several times I found myself thinking, right, I'm going to have to go back and read the earlier ones now.
The mystery itself is beautifully crafted. The plot feels meticulously tailored (sorry) and I loved the gradual unfolding and morphing of the case. The twist was intriguing and I particularly enjoyed being introduced to the world of bespoke tailoring. It's not a setting I knew anything about, but Sullivan makes it feel interesting and integral to the story.
The writing is excellent throughout: elegant, intelligent and completely confident. It succeeds through precision and character, giving it a very accomplished feel.
And then there's the audiobook. Finlay Robertson is extraordinary. He captures personalities, attitudes and emotions of this large and diverse cast so naturally that I never once had to stop and remind myself who was speaking.
A brilliant introduction to a series I'm delighted to have discovered. Thoughtful, expertly plotted and wonderfully narrated.
Thank you to Head of Zeus Audiobooks, NetGalley and Tim Sullivan for an advance listening copy of this book.
In “The Tailor”, DS George Cross investigates the murder of a bespoke tailor who is found dead on a train travelling from Bristol to London. What initially looks like a possible robbery quickly reveals itself to be linked to far more complex crime, drawing Cross into a case where many people are determined to keep many things hidden.
This was my first DS George Cross novel and I loved it. It works perfectly well as a standalone—I never felt lost—but I could immediately see the appeal of having seven previous books' worth of insight into Cross's personal and professional life. He's a fascinating character, as are many of the people around him, and several times I found myself thinking, right, I'm going to have to go back and read the earlier ones now.
The mystery itself is beautifully crafted. The plot feels meticulously tailored (sorry) and I loved the gradual unfolding and morphing of the case. The twist was intriguing and I particularly enjoyed being introduced to the world of bespoke tailoring. It's not a setting I knew anything about, but Sullivan makes it feel interesting and integral to the story.
The writing is excellent throughout: elegant, intelligent and completely confident. It succeeds through precision and character, giving it a very accomplished feel.
And then there's the audiobook. Finlay Robertson is extraordinary. He captures personalities, attitudes and emotions of this large and diverse cast so naturally that I never once had to stop and remind myself who was speaking.
A brilliant introduction to a series I'm delighted to have discovered. Thoughtful, expertly plotted and wonderfully narrated.
Thank you to Head of Zeus Audiobooks, NetGalley and Tim Sullivan for an advance listening copy of this book.
July 24, 2026
‘The Tailor’ is the eigth book in the DS George Cross series by Tim Sullivan.
When a bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London, no one expects him to be found dead before the train even pulls into Bath. Slumped in the toilet with his throat savagely cut and a plastic bag over his head, initial police assumptions of a simple mugging gone wrong are quickly thrown out the window. Enter DS George Cross, who immediately recognises the crime for what it truly is: an organised hit.
Realising he is dealing with a calculated hit forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world, leaving him wondering if he’s being followed as the stakes are raised. Everyone in the force knows that George is as tenacious as they come and won’t stop until he gets to the truth, but this time, it seems someone is willing to do whatever it takes to shut him down for good.
This is another brilliant instalment in an excellent series set in Bristol. What really makes these books shine is DS George Cross himself. He is such a compelling protagonist with a truly unique approach to police work, largely shaped by his Asperger’s. Because of how he communicates, George is far from your average detective; his blunt, straightforward manner is often misinterpreted by those around him as rude, difficult, or just plain awkward.
However, it’s precisely this quirkiness that adds such a wonderful dimension to the story. It brings a touch of dry humour to the narrative, providing lovely moments of light relief alongside a genuinely intriguing murder mystery.
I experienced this one as an audiobook narrated by Finlay Robertson. He did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life—it was extremely well-read and made for a really engaging listen, offering a welcome change of pace from my usual physical reading.
Overall, The Tailor is a well-written, clever mystery with a brilliant lead character and just the right amount of wit. A solid 4-star read that I would thoroughly recommend to any crime fiction fan!
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Zeus for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When a bespoke tailor boards the 9:26 train from Bristol to London, no one expects him to be found dead before the train even pulls into Bath. Slumped in the toilet with his throat savagely cut and a plastic bag over his head, initial police assumptions of a simple mugging gone wrong are quickly thrown out the window. Enter DS George Cross, who immediately recognises the crime for what it truly is: an organised hit.
Realising he is dealing with a calculated hit forces George into a merciless, unfamiliar world, leaving him wondering if he’s being followed as the stakes are raised. Everyone in the force knows that George is as tenacious as they come and won’t stop until he gets to the truth, but this time, it seems someone is willing to do whatever it takes to shut him down for good.
This is another brilliant instalment in an excellent series set in Bristol. What really makes these books shine is DS George Cross himself. He is such a compelling protagonist with a truly unique approach to police work, largely shaped by his Asperger’s. Because of how he communicates, George is far from your average detective; his blunt, straightforward manner is often misinterpreted by those around him as rude, difficult, or just plain awkward.
However, it’s precisely this quirkiness that adds such a wonderful dimension to the story. It brings a touch of dry humour to the narrative, providing lovely moments of light relief alongside a genuinely intriguing murder mystery.
I experienced this one as an audiobook narrated by Finlay Robertson. He did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life—it was extremely well-read and made for a really engaging listen, offering a welcome change of pace from my usual physical reading.
Overall, The Tailor is a well-written, clever mystery with a brilliant lead character and just the right amount of wit. A solid 4-star read that I would thoroughly recommend to any crime fiction fan!
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Zeus for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
George Cross just gets better and better
The Tailor is the eighth book in Tim Sullivan’s DS George Cross series, and once again it is an impeccably written and wonderfully absorbing mystery.
George himself is not changing, because George is unapologetically and consistently who he is. What has changed is the way the people around him understand and appreciate him. His colleagues and family have learned how he thinks, how he communicates and what lies beneath his sometimes challenging manner. This makes him feel increasingly likeable without the author ever compromising the qualities that make him such a distinctive character.
This book brings a significant change to George’s working life when trainee DC Alice Mackenzie becomes his new partner. Their developing partnership adds a fresh dynamic to the series, particularly as George must adjust to an unfamiliar arrangement and Alice must find her own way of working with him. Several more characters are also added to the community surrounding George, while the familiar faces continue to give the series its wonderful sense of continuity.
The mystery immediately drew me in with pinstripe suits, a bespoke tailor and the shadowy world of spies. I do not want to reveal anything further because this is a plot best discovered piece by carefully constructed piece. The investigation gets right into the nitty gritty, but the pacing remains excellent and I never felt weighed down by the detail.
George’s home life also goes through plenty of ups and downs as his parents adjust to changes of their own. Stephen has only a small role this time, but the wider community around George is still very much present and continues to give the series so much warmth and depth.
As always, Tim Sullivan kept me guessing. I did not predict the eventual outcome, but every piece made perfect sense once the truth was revealed. Clever, intricate and beautifully paced, The Tailor is another outstanding addition to one of my favourite detective series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The Tailor is the eighth book in Tim Sullivan’s DS George Cross series, and once again it is an impeccably written and wonderfully absorbing mystery.
George himself is not changing, because George is unapologetically and consistently who he is. What has changed is the way the people around him understand and appreciate him. His colleagues and family have learned how he thinks, how he communicates and what lies beneath his sometimes challenging manner. This makes him feel increasingly likeable without the author ever compromising the qualities that make him such a distinctive character.
This book brings a significant change to George’s working life when trainee DC Alice Mackenzie becomes his new partner. Their developing partnership adds a fresh dynamic to the series, particularly as George must adjust to an unfamiliar arrangement and Alice must find her own way of working with him. Several more characters are also added to the community surrounding George, while the familiar faces continue to give the series its wonderful sense of continuity.
The mystery immediately drew me in with pinstripe suits, a bespoke tailor and the shadowy world of spies. I do not want to reveal anything further because this is a plot best discovered piece by carefully constructed piece. The investigation gets right into the nitty gritty, but the pacing remains excellent and I never felt weighed down by the detail.
George’s home life also goes through plenty of ups and downs as his parents adjust to changes of their own. Stephen has only a small role this time, but the wider community around George is still very much present and continues to give the series so much warmth and depth.
As always, Tim Sullivan kept me guessing. I did not predict the eventual outcome, but every piece made perfect sense once the truth was revealed. Clever, intricate and beautifully paced, The Tailor is another outstanding addition to one of my favourite detective series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love George Cross and this is one of my favourite ever police procedural series. The Tailor is the 8th in the series and it’s a cracking read. If you are a first timer, (lucky you you’ve lots of great books to read), DS George Cross works for Bristol Major Crimes and has Autism Spectrum Condition which makes him extremely literal, with a highly logical, detail-oriented approach to investigating crimes. He also doesn’t understand empathy and carries a notebook with suggested comments to use in certain situations. He also has the best crime solving statistics in the Force. As always, this is a well written story with excellent plotlines guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Briefly, a man, is found murdered in a toilet on a train from Bristol to London. All potential identification has been taken alongside his suitcase and two suit carriers. He is soon identified as Billy Titcomb, a bespoke tailor who was travelling to Dubai and China. Billy and his sister have been running their business for many years and managed to keep the business afloat during a difficult period with help from Billy’s China born wife. It’s clear to George that this wasn’t a random killing, Billy was targeted. You wouldn’t think being a tailor was such a dangerous job!
I love how the author shows the benefits of being on the spectrum for a detective but also makes you aware of the pitfalls and this is where his very supportive colleagues come into play. The plot is quite complex and there are some great twists and once again a brilliant reveal, I’ll be amazed if you guessed it. For George, the crime investigation is the easy part, his difficulty is dealing with a new partner as he finds it hard to manage change. Honestly, I know it’s a much misused and overused sentence but I really did have trouble putting this book down! Another fantastic read in a fabulous series. Next please!
Briefly, a man, is found murdered in a toilet on a train from Bristol to London. All potential identification has been taken alongside his suitcase and two suit carriers. He is soon identified as Billy Titcomb, a bespoke tailor who was travelling to Dubai and China. Billy and his sister have been running their business for many years and managed to keep the business afloat during a difficult period with help from Billy’s China born wife. It’s clear to George that this wasn’t a random killing, Billy was targeted. You wouldn’t think being a tailor was such a dangerous job!
I love how the author shows the benefits of being on the spectrum for a detective but also makes you aware of the pitfalls and this is where his very supportive colleagues come into play. The plot is quite complex and there are some great twists and once again a brilliant reveal, I’ll be amazed if you guessed it. For George, the crime investigation is the easy part, his difficulty is dealing with a new partner as he finds it hard to manage change. Honestly, I know it’s a much misused and overused sentence but I really did have trouble putting this book down! Another fantastic read in a fabulous series. Next please!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Tailor certainly centers around an unusual murder! A tailor of bespoke suits is found dead in a train bathroom with his throat cut and a plastic bag over his head. His luggage is missing, including some suits he was going to deliver to a client. This unusual case seems a good assignment for DS George Cross and his team, and as they investigate more and more unusual aspects turn up that thicken the plot significantly. It is a perfect puzzle for Cross, who is on the autistic spectrum. His brain is unusually adept at analyzing data and puzzles and solving them, and he is obsessive. There seem to be several different directions in which the investigation could go. He learns of another death that could possibly be related, but no one agrees with him. Was this a business-related murder or a personal one? And why was the luggage stolen?
The Tailor is really two books in one. This book, as well as others in the series that I have read, certainly has an intriguing police investigation, but it is just as much about George Cross and the people in his life, both in his family and at work. Cross’s autism makes him difficult to get along with, but he is great at his job, and his colleagues appreciate him enough that they generally get along with him reasonably well. In this book, there are some changes to Cross’s team, and such changes can be especially challenging to him. He also has some family situations that make him even more challenged (Personally I did not need so much attention to the family situation and felt it interrupted the main flow of the book).
I would recommend reading at least the first book in the series to get a good introduction to Cross and the other characters so that you can enjoy The Tailor to its fullest, although Tim Sullivan does take care in the first chapter to give a bit of background on Cross’s condition .
I received an advance review copy of this book from Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.
The Tailor is really two books in one. This book, as well as others in the series that I have read, certainly has an intriguing police investigation, but it is just as much about George Cross and the people in his life, both in his family and at work. Cross’s autism makes him difficult to get along with, but he is great at his job, and his colleagues appreciate him enough that they generally get along with him reasonably well. In this book, there are some changes to Cross’s team, and such changes can be especially challenging to him. He also has some family situations that make him even more challenged (Personally I did not need so much attention to the family situation and felt it interrupted the main flow of the book).
I would recommend reading at least the first book in the series to get a good introduction to Cross and the other characters so that you can enjoy The Tailor to its fullest, although Tim Sullivan does take care in the first chapter to give a bit of background on Cross’s condition .
I received an advance review copy of this book from Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DS George Cross is not a fan of change. Therefore, he was disconcerted when his mother, Christine, from whom he and his father, Raymond, had been estranged for decades, reentered his life. Furthermore, George was none too pleased when Christine announced her intention to move into Raymond's flat, as her ex-husband's platonic companion. At work, DC Alice Mackenzie, who is now a trainee in the police force, will be George's new partner. Cross has been comfortable working with DI Josie Ottey, who smooths things over when George, who is autistic, fails to conform to social norms. For example, he usually neglects to start out with, "I'm sorry for your loss," when he interviews a recently bereaved witness.
In Tim Sullivan's "The Tailor," an unidentified perpetrator murders a fellow passenger on a train. A notable fact about the victim was that he was wearing a bespoke suit made at a high-end establishment. It turns out that the dead man is William Titcomb, a third-generation tailor in his family firm. His wife, Min, is the mother of their two children.
This is a complex tale of mendacity, theft, and corruption. Few people whom Cross and Mackenzie interview tell the truth, and for quite a while, George is hard-pressed to figure out why anyone would slash a tailor's throat. Sullivan's plot is intriguing but requires a large suspension of disbelief. The action scenes involving George (who is averse to physical altercations) are amusing, since he desperately chats non-stop in an effort to talk his way out of trouble. As usual, the author uses humor liberally, presents us with a colorful cast of characters, and demonstrates George's slow but steady progress in adjusting to unfamiliar situations. This off-beat novel, unlike others in this series, deals with geopolitical issues that are way above George's pay grade. In spite of his keen insight and excellent investigative skills, DS Cross cannot solve this multi-layered mystery on his own.
In Tim Sullivan's "The Tailor," an unidentified perpetrator murders a fellow passenger on a train. A notable fact about the victim was that he was wearing a bespoke suit made at a high-end establishment. It turns out that the dead man is William Titcomb, a third-generation tailor in his family firm. His wife, Min, is the mother of their two children.
This is a complex tale of mendacity, theft, and corruption. Few people whom Cross and Mackenzie interview tell the truth, and for quite a while, George is hard-pressed to figure out why anyone would slash a tailor's throat. Sullivan's plot is intriguing but requires a large suspension of disbelief. The action scenes involving George (who is averse to physical altercations) are amusing, since he desperately chats non-stop in an effort to talk his way out of trouble. As usual, the author uses humor liberally, presents us with a colorful cast of characters, and demonstrates George's slow but steady progress in adjusting to unfamiliar situations. This off-beat novel, unlike others in this series, deals with geopolitical issues that are way above George's pay grade. In spite of his keen insight and excellent investigative skills, DS Cross cannot solve this multi-layered mystery on his own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Usually I try and publish my reviews shortly before the publication date. Well, this one is expected on July 26 or August 11 (according to GR) but I simply couldn't resist reading it as I just finished The Teacher. This series is addictive!
In earlier books in this series it has become clear that George, when he’s fascinated by as subject, really delves into it. We’ve seen him mentioning names of famous tailors in earlier stories, but this one revolves entirely about a tailor. A murdered tailor. Who would murder a tailor? Well, someone with a complicated motif. How complicated, we read when the story unfolds slowly. As in every other book with George Cross as main character, the author takes us by the hand to paint a picture of George’s thinking process, and in this 8th book in the series we learn – again – more about how George’s mind works. I would love to have such a brilliant mind, though without the complications.
Now Josie Ottey has been promoted and will soon no longer be George’s partner, he needs to be paired with another one. Its Alice of course, and she is very happy, her boyfriend is over the moon (he has a real man-crush on George) and George is baffled. How to work with a young partner? How to try and learn her the ropes? This is a big part of what happens at the office, and the way Alice handles herself, with a little help from Josie, is very interesting, so to say.
Anyway, the murdered tailor. It soon becomes clear that was part of a bigger crime and this time, I was seeing where this would go very early in the book. This did not dampen my pleasure reading it, on the contrary. I – again – laughed out loud several times while reading and admired – again – the way Tim Sullivan made such wonderful characters as George, Josie, Alice, Christine, Raymond and Stephen and all others come alive.
Thanks to Atlantic Crime and Edelweiss for this review copy.
In earlier books in this series it has become clear that George, when he’s fascinated by as subject, really delves into it. We’ve seen him mentioning names of famous tailors in earlier stories, but this one revolves entirely about a tailor. A murdered tailor. Who would murder a tailor? Well, someone with a complicated motif. How complicated, we read when the story unfolds slowly. As in every other book with George Cross as main character, the author takes us by the hand to paint a picture of George’s thinking process, and in this 8th book in the series we learn – again – more about how George’s mind works. I would love to have such a brilliant mind, though without the complications.
Now Josie Ottey has been promoted and will soon no longer be George’s partner, he needs to be paired with another one. Its Alice of course, and she is very happy, her boyfriend is over the moon (he has a real man-crush on George) and George is baffled. How to work with a young partner? How to try and learn her the ropes? This is a big part of what happens at the office, and the way Alice handles herself, with a little help from Josie, is very interesting, so to say.
Anyway, the murdered tailor. It soon becomes clear that was part of a bigger crime and this time, I was seeing where this would go very early in the book. This did not dampen my pleasure reading it, on the contrary. I – again – laughed out loud several times while reading and admired – again – the way Tim Sullivan made such wonderful characters as George, Josie, Alice, Christine, Raymond and Stephen and all others come alive.
Thanks to Atlantic Crime and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you follow my reviews, you will know that I am a big fan of Tim Sullivan’s DS George Cross series. When I need a British detective for that comfort read, I turn to Sullivan. This 8th book in the series is entitled, The Tailor, and since Sullivan’s titles tell you who is going to be murdered, you should plan on learning a lot about suit tailoring in this novel. I was fascinated!
George Cross is on the autism spectrum, and he needs a cast of characters to work with his brilliance to get to the solution to the crime without offending everyone involved. I enjoy the continued development of his sidekicks and his family members. Alice and Josie have been promoted; Carson might be on his way out; and George is still just George, being annoying and irritating, but solving the crime with his detail and honesty.
A tailor is murdered on a train, and his luggage has strangely been taken. George is quite taken with the concept of bespoke suits and has one made for himself by the widow of the victim. What possible reason could a murderer have for stealing someone’s clothes? Why is there an element of international intrigue in this murder?
While you could read The Tailor as a stand-alone, I would suggest you start with the beginning of the series, The Dentist, as the characters and the plot move forward in each novel. These books are fun, moving and comforting in this age of hostility. Tim Sullivan is a screenwriter and director and decided to self-publish his first two books in this series. After more than 200,000 downloads, he came to the attention of Head of Zeus Publishers, and the rest is our definite pleasure.
My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Tailor will be published on August 11, 2026.
George Cross is on the autism spectrum, and he needs a cast of characters to work with his brilliance to get to the solution to the crime without offending everyone involved. I enjoy the continued development of his sidekicks and his family members. Alice and Josie have been promoted; Carson might be on his way out; and George is still just George, being annoying and irritating, but solving the crime with his detail and honesty.
A tailor is murdered on a train, and his luggage has strangely been taken. George is quite taken with the concept of bespoke suits and has one made for himself by the widow of the victim. What possible reason could a murderer have for stealing someone’s clothes? Why is there an element of international intrigue in this murder?
While you could read The Tailor as a stand-alone, I would suggest you start with the beginning of the series, The Dentist, as the characters and the plot move forward in each novel. These books are fun, moving and comforting in this age of hostility. Tim Sullivan is a screenwriter and director and decided to self-publish his first two books in this series. After more than 200,000 downloads, he came to the attention of Head of Zeus Publishers, and the rest is our definite pleasure.
My rating: 5 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Tailor will be published on August 11, 2026.
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